🛡️ VPN & DNS Privacy ★★★★
NextDNS
DNS that blocks ads and trackers—an alternative to 8.8.8.8
Overview
NextDNS is a filtered DNS service you enable by changing DNS settings on a device or router.
It is a practical alternative to Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) if you want to control blocking rules yourself.
The official pricing page is denominated in yen (“All prices are in JPY”).
Scores
Privacy 4/5
Ease of use 5/5
Features 4/5
Value 5/5
Google One VPN (discontinued) / Google Public DNS — comparison
Google Public DNS hands name resolution to Google. NextDNS lets you set blocking rules and is a direct alternative to 8.8.8.8.
Pros
- ✓ Takes effect by changing DNS—no need to replace everyday apps
- ✓ You can try it without creating an account
- ✓ Router setup can cover several devices at once
Cons & caveats
- − It does not encrypt all traffic or hide your source IP—that is a VPN’s job
- − A mis-tuned blocklist can break sites you need
- − Query limits may require a plan change
Best for
- People leaving Google Public DNS
- People who want to start by changing DNS only
- People who want to block ad and tracker name resolution
Not ideal for
- People who want to hide their source IP (use a VPN)
- People who do not want to touch DNS settings
Specs
- Pricing
- Free + paid — Official Japan-yen prices (confirmed 2026-11-11): Free is 300,000 queries/month at ¥0. Pro is ¥250/month or ¥2,500/year. Business is ¥2,500/month or ¥25,000/year (*per 50 users). Education is the same amounts per 250 students. Source: https://nextdns.io/pricing
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Data location
- Distributed anycast points of presence. Check official materials for logging and location details.
- Platforms
- Windows · macOS · Linux · Android · iOS · Router
Try without signupRouter supportAd/tracker blockingOfficial JPY pricing
Migration from Google One VPN (discontinued) / Google Public DNS
- 1 Create a configuration ID in NextDNS (you can try without signing up)
- 2 Point device or router DNS to the addresses they provide
- 3 Remove manual Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) settings
- 4 Spend a few days checking that needed sites still resolve
Setup steps
- 1 Create a configuration at https://nextdns.io/
- 2 Follow the OS or router instructions to set DNS
- 3 Use their test page to confirm the change
- 4 Adjust blocklists if something breaks